Wireless video transmission and motor control for professional grade DSLR cameras

Material Information

Wireless video transmission and motor control for professional grade DSLR cameras

Physical Description:

Project in lieu of thesis

Creator:

Tietz, Jonathan

Publisher:

College of Fine Arts, University of Florida

Place of Publication:

Gainesville, Fla.

Notes

Abstract:

The purpose of the Canon 7D Wireless Transceiver (henceforth referred to as mar-IO)
project is to utilize a stock Canon 7D (as a proxy for any Canon camera product) and its
included LiveView capabilities to produce an image on an accompanying wirelessenabled
digital device (PC, Android/iOS Smartphone, Tablet) in real time at a "useable"
(24 fps) frame rate and latency. This will enable users to have an after-market option for
high quality third-party viewing of the camera's input from a distance. This would allow,
for instance, a director to view a camera's output from a comfortable distance. This
operation will communicate using WiFi rather than radio or infrared technologies to
allow for the greatest compatibility and range options for the end user. Another added
benefit to WiFi is that it gives users the option to access the device remotely over the
internet. In addition to the remote video functionality, this device will also feature a
standard camera mount which will turn the camera into an advanced multiple axis
motion device. This device, the Canon 7D Motion Rig (henceforth referred to as Lue-G), is controlled by open-source software and therefore significantly reduces the production
costs. The Lue-G was built by hand and uses only readily available components. When
combined with the mar-IO the motion rig will allow for fully automated operation of thecamera. This is extremely useful during time-lapse shoots and for adjustment during
recording. These two products also aim to significantly reduce the cost of wireless
transmission and remote automation to amateur filmmakers since all components are
readily available on the consumer market.
With this proof of concept design, it is hoped that future technologies may be
expanded into many different types of applications. Shared Operating Systems between
mobile and traditional devices will hopefully eliminate the need for additional software to
use mobile devices. The motion rig and the video rig complement each others' design
since the Lue-G's Arduino controller can function through the wireless transmission
device which makes both systems standalone and wireless.